Stravinsky’s Rite of Spring as a portal into Prehistoric Russia

This 1925 document from the Philharmonic Society of New York, showcases a quote directly from Igor Stravinsky himself.

Stravinsky points out that the “strong and brutal style” theme of Rite of Spring was inspired by his previous work, L’Oiseau de Feu. “The Embryo is a theme which came to me when I had finished L’Oiseau de Feu. Since this theme, and that which followed it, were conceived in a strong and brutal style, I took as a pretext for the evocation of this music the Russian prehistoric epoch, since I am Russian” (Mr.Stravinksy).

Can one look at this performance and actually see how life was during Prehistoric Russia? Does the “strong and brutal style” of the Stravinsky’s music depict an accurate picture on how the people of Russia, lived, thought and interacted with nature and one another? I want to say yes. Stravinsky is Russian, I want to optimistically assume that he subconsciously incorporated themes of Prehistoric Russian life into the score of Rite of Spring.

After accepting that the pretext of Rite of Spring can be seen as a portal into Prehistoric Russia, we can then hear the music of Rite of Spring and use it to formulate our own opinions and thoughts on the life of Prehistoric Russia.

After showcasing the quote from Stravinsky, another quote from Stravinsky is shown. The quote from Stravinsky goes on to say that “When it became necessary to discover a pretext for the scenic presentation, we chose with one accord my first evocation- that of pagan Russia”.

Now I don't want to go into detail on my own analysis of “Pagan Russia” after viewing and listening to Stravinsky works, but I do want to acknowledge Stravinsky as a music analysis of prehistoric Russia. (despite some of the contradictory quotes of Stravinsky).

To me, this provokes the thought of music being used historic evidence. That music can be used as a “portal” into the past.